Type-writing machine



(No. Model.) 4 sheets-sheet 1.

DE K. J. T. HIETT.

TYPE WRITING MAGHINE. f.

No. 547,146. N Patente@ Oct. 1, 189%.

N N o' o (No Model.)- A 4 Sheets-Sheet 2.

DE K. J. T. HIIETT. TYPE WRITING MACHINE.

1510.641146l Patented 001;. 1,1895.

Nly PHOTO-LNHQWASHINGTDNIDL (No Model.)

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Patented Oct. 1, 1895.

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Patented Oct. 1, 1895.

UNTTno STATES DE KERNIEA J. T. HIETT, OF ST.

LOUIS, ASSIGNOR TO VILLIAM I.

QUENTELL, OF KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI.

TYPE-WRITING MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 547,146, dated October1, 1895.

Serial No. 524,958. (No model.)

To @ZZ whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, DE KE'RNIEA J. T. HIETT, a citizen of the UnitedStates, residing at St. Louis, in the State of Missouri, have inventedcertain new and useful Improvements in Type- Writers, of which thefollowing is a specification, reference being had therein to theaccompanying drawings.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements intype-writers.

The object of my improvements is to simplify and reduce the number ofparts of a type-writer and provide a practical machine that can be puton the market 'at comparatively small cost.

To this end my improvements have reference to a front support for theroller-carriage to maintain operative connection While effecting forwardand back adjustment, to a striker common to all the type and lactuatedby a shifting hammer-plate,Y to a hammer-plate operated at the terminalmovement of each key and a movable or reciprocating piece or plateactuated by the previous movement ot' each key, to an inclined flange onsaid plate and a sliding engagement between the keys and said flange,and to other minor operat ing parts hereinafter described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, on which like reference-letters indicatecorresponding parts, Figure 1 represents a plan view of a typewritermachine of my preferred construction; Fig. 2, a section near the centeralong the line x of Fig. l; Fig. 2, a similar view with the hammer-plateraised; Fig. 3, a section through the machine on line y y, showing thespacer-key and connections; Fig. 3, a front view of the striker andguide; Fig. 4, a detail of the slotted plate; Fig. 4, anotherconstruction for locking the movable plate; Fig. 5, a face view of thespacing mechanism; Fig. 6, a separate view of the type-plate segment;Fig. 7,a separate view of the hammerplate; Fig. 8, a separate view ofthe connecting-rod, and Fig. 9 a detail of the operatingarm and disk.

Referring to the drawings, the letter A desf ignates the frame of themachine, on the top of which is mounted the usual roller B in itscarriage C, pivoted to the rear of the frame and normally 'supported ata front central point, as hereinafter described. Below the roller islocated a flexible plate F in the form of a sector of preferably asemicircle, bearing the type or characters to be impressed upon thepaper through the interposed inkingribbon Gr by means presently to bedescribed. This plate is shown divided by radial slots to increase itsflexibility in the preferred form. A vertical axle H, journaled in theframe, supports the type-plate sector and has a disk I near the lowerend provided with pins J, adapted to be engaged by the toothed segmentof an operating-lever arm K, pivoted at L. This arm is in duplicate onopposite sides of the machine, as shown in Figs. l and 9. I/Vhen movedrearward, each arm rotates the type-plate characters on the oppositeside toward the front under the paper and in position to be struck by avertically-moving striker M, mounted in guides, as shown in Figs. 3 and3a. The means for operating the striker will be described later.

It is known that type-bars having type on their ends and mountedvertically in a circle to be rotated successively to the front is old intype-Writer construction. The diiiculty heretofore met with is that themomentum of the rotating cage and bars prevents its being stoppedinstantly at the proper point opposite the striker and kept stationaryduring the action of the striker. By my type-bearing plate of sheetmetal or other light flexible material I reduce the weight and momentumof the revolving part, and I also instantly stop and hold the type-platestationary during the action of the striker on the leaf or division overit through a locking mechanism now to be described.

A slotted bar N is pivoted on substantially vertical posts'O, alsopivoted at their lower ends to the frame, so as to carry the slotted barand its connections rearward when the keys are operated. A spring Pnormally returns the posts to the front again. From the rear edge of theslot extends a downwardlyinclined ange forminga smooth chaiing-sur face,up which slide the rear ends of the keya levers Q when the keys Roperate them on their pivot-fulcrums S. The end of Ithe lever Q isturned up and exactly fits in the slot in the bar. When a key isoperated, the first effect will beto tilt upward the front end of theslotted bar and bring a connecting-rod T, that extends rearward over thelever-arm K, before mentioned, down into engagement with the latter bymeans of a st'ud t, that enters a matching-hole 7o in said lever-arm.This tilting of the slotted bar is due to its pivotal mounting on thetop ofthe said posts O and is the first effect of the upward pressure ofthe key-lever on the chating-plate. Continued pressure causes theslotted bar thus connected to the segment-arm to slide forward androtate the type-plate till the rotation is suddenly stopped by theentrance of the key-leverinto the slot. The type-plate is nowstationary, as the slotted bar is locked to the key-lever. The lattercontinues its upward motion, however, passing through the slot andstrikes a hammer-plate U, which is pivoted to an arm extension of thesaid bar. This flies u p, shoots the striker M upward, and impresses thecharacter on the paper. The dotted lines in Fig. 2 indicate the tiltingand horizontal movements of the slotted bar, which latter is induplicate on each side of the center' of the machine. The striker isengaged by either hammer-plate. It cannot be operated by both together,as the drivingdisk I can only be rotated by one of the levers at a time.The connecting-rodT ot' the other lever will be in its normal position,with its pin disengaged from the hole in the arm by the influence of theweight ot' the front end of the bar N tending to raise it out.

I have described the tilting and horizontal movements of the slotted barwhen any key is operated. It remains to be seen how the proper amount ofmovement is given to the operating-lever to effect the proper degree ofrotation of the type-plate in order to bring the corresponding characteropposite the striker when a particular key is operated.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 2, it will be seen that the distance of travelof the lever-key upon the chafing-plate before it can enter the slotdetermines the distance the slotted bar moves rearward and theconsequent rotation of the driving-disk and type-plate. Thus, if the keyE be located a slight distance-say one-fiftieth ofan inch(horizontally)-from the rear edge of the slot, it would move the slottedbar a like distance to the rear and rotate the type-plate aproportionate distance--say one division or leaf-to bring the characterE over the striker. Entering the slot, the keylever then proceeds upwardand actuates the hammer-plate and strikerwithoutanypossible furtherrotation for that type. In other words, the type-plate is rotated to theproper character by the primary movement of the corresponding key, thenis locked against further rotation,while the terminal movement of thekey operates the striking mechanism and effects the impression on thepaper.

The letter A, say, should have the end on its key-lever, say,two-fiftieths of an inch farther down the inclined chaing-plate. Thiskey will therefore move the chafing-plate a farther distance-two-ftiethsof an inchto the rear than the key E, and hence would rotate thetype-plate a greaterl degree and bring another character, A, over thestriker before the end of the lever enters the slot and operates thestriker. Other characters are brought to the front by locating the endsof the corresponding key-levers farther down and at varied points on thechafng-platc, thereby rotating the type-plate a corresponding anddifferent degree for each key. On this ratio the chafing-plate slottedbar would have to travel barely more than one-half an inch (twenty-sixfiftieths) to rotate the extreme rearward letter on the type-plate, Z,7over the striker, even though the twenty-six letters were connected tobut one slotted bar; but half of this rearward movement is required whenthey are divided between t-Wo sides ot' the machine and correspondingoperating mechanism, as illustrated in Fig. l.

Referring to Fig. 2, it will be seen that the connecting-rod T has aprojection V on its upper side that normally engages with a crossbar XVto the rear of it. This acts as a safetycatch and prevents thehorizontal movement of the slotted bar and connecting-rod until atilting movement depresses the projection to pass under the bar W. Bythis time the stud thas engaged with the hole 7c in the leverarm andwill insure rotation of the type-plate. On the return of the operatingmechanism the projection will slide under the bar W' and rise on thefront side of it when the weightof the slotted bar and its hammer liftsthe connecting-bar out of engagement with the lcver-arm.

Inmost type-writersastrong andlong spring is required to carry theroller-carriage the full length of its travel. I propose to do away withthis costly spring and use only a spring sufficient to move the carriageone space or so at a time.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 5, the letter a designates a standard in themiddle of the machine under the front edge of the carriage. A pinion bis rotatably mounted on a stud carried by said standard and meshing witha rack-plate c on the front of the carriage. A ratchet-wheel d issecured to the same axis as the pinion and gives a leverage in turningthe latter. A pawl e engages with the ratchet, as shown in Fig. 5, andis pivoted to a stirrup-piece f, embracing a space-lever g,piv oted atthe rear and extending out to the front, where it is engaged bytransverse bars 7L, extending along under the keys of each set, so as tobe acted on by them also. One of these transverse bars is used for eachbank of keys, and a space-key is provided for each side of the machine,as shown in Fig. l. The transverse bar has arms 7L', by which it ispivotally mounted, as shown. When depressed by a key, the spacelever gpulls downward the stirrup and pawl to the next tooth of the ratchet. Aspring z' effects its engagement, and when the actuating-keyis releasedIOC ICS

IIO

IZO

the bottom to the frame.

the pawl pushes the ratchet forward one tooth, making one space on thecarriage under the action of a springj, Fig. 3, upon the pivotstud Z,connecting the stirrup and pawl.

Referring to Figs. l and 3, I will now describe the operation of theshift-key, by which I am enabled to use more than one row of characterson the type-plate. These characters are all the same distance from thecenter in each row, and since I have mounted the axle Hin fixed bearingsI have constructed the roller-carriage and the striker to travel backand forth (to the front and rear) on each side of the type-'platesector. I have therefore pivoted the slide-rod at the rear of thecarriage to a vertical post E, Fig. 3, at each side of the machine. Thepost is also pivoted at The carriage is supported at these two rearpoints and on the pinion b in front, thus forming a tripod-support. Thefeature in this construction is that the front of the carriage is alwayssupported at a point opposite the striker instead of travcling along thetrack as the carriage progresses, as in old forms.. The pinion iselongated, as shown, to allow this shifting motion to the front when acharacter in the outer row is to be used. The shift-lever mis at theleft of the machine and secured to or integral with one of the pivotedposts Z, Fig. l. The striker is shifted at the same time and the samedistance as the roller-carriage by means of a frame n, carrying theguides or the striker M, and having an arm extension from each end ofthe side posts E, to which they are pivoted at or near the same axis asthe carriage to secure like travel. The frame for the striker isslidingly supported in horizontal guides o. The hammer-plateUisextended, as shown in Fig. l, to allow it to engage with the striker atany shifted position of the latter. The striker is engaged by each ofthe hammerplates, as the plan view shows the striking portions of theplate nearly meeting, and each under its respective half of the striker.The latter is arranged to return by gravity after its upstroke. Thetype-bearing plate is returned to its zero position after each stroke ofthe keys by any suitable means in addition to the influence of theslotted bar and connection, should it be so desired. Simplicity ofconstruction and parts is aimed at in the form illustrated; but I do notconfine myself to the exact details herein shown.

Fig. 4t shows another construction for locking the movable plate or bar,one form of which is shown in Fig. 4. In Fig. tu the locking feature issecured by means of a projection u opposite the inclinedfriction-surface. This projection is pivotally mounted on the movableplate and is engaged with the otherA side of the key-lever after thelatter has made its sliding movement up the inclined surface. It thuslocks the plate N from further rearward movement in the same Way as thebar u, Fig. 4, forming the opposite side of the slot in that figure,locks the movable plate there shown. In Fig. 4 this projection u isintegral or fast to the movable plate and forms a portion of a slot,while in Fig. ta the projecting locking portion u is pivotally mountedon the bar, but is still opposite theinclined surface and acts togethertherewith in locking the plate at the end of the forward movement of thekey-lever up theinclined friction-surface. In other words, the lockingprojection may be part of the movable plate or may be part of a platepivoted above it, such as the hammerplate U.

In both constructions the locking feature for the movable plate issecured, to which I lay broad claim.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, anddesire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l.` A typewriter comprising a set of keys, a

reciprocating bar or plate having an inclined chating surface along itslength, common to said set of keys impinging thereon at differentdistances from one lateral edge, whereby it is moved laterallyaccordingly, and a secondary piece exposed to the action of said keys bythe movement of said bar or plate. 2. Atype-writercomprisingamovablepiece mounted to travel back and forth simultaneously as to all portionsthereof, having an inclined chafing surface transverse to its directionof movement, mechanism operatively connected with said movable piece, ahammer-plate adjacent to the said chafing surface adapted to effect theprinting operation, and a plurality of operative pieces impinging onsaid chafing surface at different distances from the edge opposite saidhammer-plate, whereby a corresponding rearward travel of the movablepiece will be effected before the hammer-plate is actuated by saidoperative pieces.

3. A type-writer comprising a movable piece mounted to travel forwardand back, having an inclined chating surface, a hammer-plate pivotallycarried by said movable piece adjacent to said chaiing surface, alimiting projection or stop being provided on one side of said pieceopposite the chating plate, adjunctive devices connected to the movablepiece and the hammer-plate respectively, and a plurality of operativepieces each adapted to impinge and slide on said chating surfacetransversely to the movement of the hammer-plate and its support tillthey strike said hammerplate adjacent thereto, while the rearward motionof the movable piece and hammerplate is limited by the engagement ofsaid stop projection with the operative piece in action.

4:. Atype-writer comprisingahammer-plate and its support, the latterbeing a horizontally reciprocating piece, and the former pivotallymounted thereon on a horizontal axis, a striking mechanism to eect theprinting, located adjacent to said hammer-plate to be operated IOOthereby at any point of its travel, and means to elfect thehammer-action of said plate after the rearward movement of its support.

5. A type-writer comprising a series of oscillating type characters, avertical striker common to all of said characters, a horizontalhammer-plate below said striker, a horizontally reciprocating supportpivotally supporting said hammer-plate and controlling the typemechanism, operative pieces variably connected to said reciprocatingpiece, each adapted to effect a distinctive rearward movement of thesupport and hammer-plate, and an upward movement of the latter at thelimit of said rearward movement.

6. A type-writer comprising a transversely slotted plate or bar havingan inclined ehafing plate along one side of the said slot extendingdownward and outward from one side of'the slot, a ham mer-platepivotally mounted above the said slot, an operating piece for saidslotted bar and hammer-plate, and adj unctive devices operating withsaid plate and pieces.

7. A type-writer' comprising a movable plate mounted to movehorizontally, provided with an inclined chang surface and a retainingprojection to serve as a lock for said plate, a hammer-plate pivoted tothe movable plate` and a friction piece to bear on said chang surfaceand push the movable plate rearward till locked by said projection.

S. A type-writer comprising a slotted bar having an inclined chafingplate along one side of the slot, and provided with an extension fixedto the bar, a hammer-plate pivotally mounted above the slot in said bar,an operating piece for said slotted bar and hammer plate, andoscillating posts to which said bar is pivoted, an operating lever underthe rearward end of said extension and having an intermittent engagementtherewith, substantially as described.

9. A type-writer comprising a slotted bar with an inclined plate at oneedge of the slot, a lever-arm, a connecting rod from said slotted bar tosaid arm, having a stud and hole connection with the latter, saidslotted bar and rod being pivotally supported so as to tilt and effectsuch engagement of the rod and arm, and operating pieces adapted toslide on said chating plate toward said slot and effect the tilting andthe forward movement thereof.

lO. A type-writer comprising a roller carriage slidingly and pivotallymounted at its rear side and having a rack on its front side, a pinionmeshing with said rack and mounted in a fixed location at the middle ofthe machine, means to rotate said pinion intermittently to space thecarriage, and a shifting lever to move said carriage axially on saidpinion.

l1. A type-writer comprising a roller carriage slidingly and pivotallymounted at its rear side, vertical oscillating posts supporting saidrear side and pivoted below, and provided with an operating armextension for the shifting key, a vertically acting striker, a slidingframe for said striker connected to the shifting mechanism, and atype-bearing plate rotatably mounted in xed bearings and interposedbetween said striker and the carriage roller, to bring different sets ofcharacters into striking position.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

DE KERNIEA J. T. HIE'IT.

Witnesses:

M. JAcoBY, H. M. PLAISTED.

